Chappy

Chappie is a celebration of the career of much admired AFL footballer, Paul Chapman, and the highs and lows of two of the AFL’s most revered clubs, Geelong and Essendon. Paul Chapman is one of the great players of AFL. Well known for always doing his best in a club (Geelong and then Essendon) both clubs have had their moments of high drama and Paul Chapman has been there.

Paul Chapman, well known for his honesty and forthrightness explores the highs and lows of football through three AFL premierships with Geelong and the turnover of coaches and star players; as well as an end of career experience of Essendon during its lowest ebb and again the extraordinary circumstances with ASADAread more

Chappie is a celebration of the career of much admired AFL footballer, Paul Chapman, and the highs and lows of two of the AFL’s most revered clubs, Geelong and Essendon. Paul Chapman is one of the great players of AFL. Well known for always doing his best in a club (Geelong and then Essendon) both clubs have had their moments of high drama and Paul Chapman has been there.

Paul Chapman, well known for his honesty and forthrightness explores the highs and lows of football through three AFL premierships with Geelong and the turnover of coaches and star players; as well as an end of career experience of Essendon during its lowest ebb and again the extraordinary circumstances with ASADA leading to their change of coaches and an uncertain future for many of their players.

• Growing up and the tragic death of his brother and his last year in the TAC Cup • Joining Geelong and the review at the end of 2006 when Mark Thompson was nearly replaced as coach. • Speaking out in 2007 & the turnaround that sparked leading ultimately to the Grand Final win and nearly winning the Norm Smith Medal. • The 2008 season & the unexpected loss to Hawthorn in the Grand Final that year • Grand Final win in 2009 AND winning the Norm Smith Medal • 2010 when Mark Thompson & Gary Ablett’s relationship broke down culminating in being thrashed by Collingwood in the Preliminary Final in what was the last game at the Cats for both Ablett & Thompson • Chris Scott & one hell of a great year in 2011 & another Premiership • 2012 & 2013 - So close yet so far. Include in this his suspension for the 2013 preliminary final against Hawthorn which the Cats lost by less than a goal. • Being Delisted by Geelong after 250 games and moving on • Essendon and 2 more coaches and a team under the pump with the ASADA investigation and WADA appeal.

Paul Chapman joined Geelong in 1999, as National Draft pick 31. By 2002 he was in the seniors side along with players like Cameron Ling, Gary Ablett, Stevie Johnson, Jimmy Bartel. The coach was Bomber Thompson and the side was destined for glory. In 2006 Paul won Best and Fairest over Jimmy Bartel and Gary Ablett. 2007 and Geelong won their first premiership in 44 years, and did so again in 2009 and nearly winning in 2010 the year Paul was